The African American Museum of Rhode Island (AAMRI), located in a storefront on Broad Street in Upper South Providence, serves as a vibrant community space dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of African American Rhode Islanders. Led by executive director Dr. Christopher West, the museum highlights significant local figures such as Meredith Costa, Rhode Island’s first African American woman principal, and Arthur J. “Daddy” Black, a Navy veteran and businessman whose achievements have been historically overlooked. AAMRI originated from a desire to educate neighborhood youth about prominent Black figures in their own communities, sparked by the discovery of stories like that of Willie Dixie Matthews, a professional baseball player and civil rights advocate. The museum also honors the heroism of Black soldiers in the Revolutionary War, challenging past misconceptions about their courage. AAMRI’s inaugural exhibition, “Welcome to the Neighborhood: Mapping Black Providence 1940s-1970s,” explores the vibrant community life across several neighborhoods. Looking ahead, the museum plans to introduce a high school curriculum by fall 2024 to integrate Rhode Island’s Black history into local education, fostering greater awareness and pride among future generations. More information is available at AAM-RI.org.